Because prom season requires some of the most personal beauty decisions you’ll ever face, we thought it might be fun to compare alternative looks on three duos who share the same gene pool.

By Kristianna Nichols

Spring is the time of year most young ladies are thinking about only one thing: “What style is right for me for my upcoming dances, formals, and proms?” For this year’s Pageantry and PromTime “Hairstyles” photo shoot, we selected three sets of sisters — four gorgeous, exotic brunettes and two sexy, sultry blondes — to take on the tonsorial modeling assignments.

We knew that beauty trends for 2007 would feature a variety of looks employing feminine gemstone colors and clean-lined, no-frills gowns, subtler, more sensuous makeup, and softer, more natural hairstyles. So we came up with a photo spread allowing you to make apt comparisons. Each sister pairing provides an opportunity to check out alternative styling statements on two women who are close enough in facial features to pull off the other’s styling solution. Which only goes to prove the old adage: “Two heads are better than one.”

1. Playing the Parts

Megan and Kristin Brock are absolute knockouts, from the clean lines of their gowns to the simple and soft hairstyles they chose for this year’s gala. Megan’s fine, medium-length hair was smoothed out with a flat iron, teased at the roots, and combed against her natural part for lift and staying power. Her false eyelashes were attached slightly past her outer eyelid for a sultry look. Her dramatic eyes are complemented with a natural-colored lipstick and gloss. Sister Kristin radiates perfection with her long, thick hair parted directly down the middle to set off a symmetric face. Her hair was simply teased on the crown for height and smoothed back. The sides of her hair were pulled tightly under the back section and secured. A spray gloss was used to enhance her gorgeous color and add shine.

Makeup Tips

2. Softening the Bombshell

Mackenzie and Mallory Long are the epitome of blond bombshells… both amazing in their own ways. Mackenzie’s look is romantic and California-inspired with her long, sun-kissed hair, hot-ironed into ringlets, finger-combed and sectioned against her natural part as well. Her hair was lightly sprayed away from her face to show off her flawless complexion. Her soft eyes are set off by a brighter, bolder lip color to balance the look. Mallory is quite sophisticated and sleek after we enhanced her “cute bob” into this evening mode. Her coif was made more stunning with a severe side part that makes her long bangs fall slightly over one eye… very alluring! We alleviate all the fly-aways by flat-ironing the top layer of hair and lightly misting it with an extra-hold hairspray. Finally, a pomade was applied to the ends for a blunt appearance.

Hair Tips

• When using a flat iron to style hair, section your hair and use a heat-activated oil or cream to ensure a soft natural shine and to protect it from damage.
• With clip-on hair extensions, match your hair color as close as possible and tease the base of the hair where the clips will attach for added staying power.

3. Having It Both Ways

Marsha Hicks and Angela Bartmess cover both sides of the “what’s cool now” beauty equation — “hip and cutting edge” and “soft and sophisticated.” Marsha’s locks were blown dry while she held her head upside down for lift and spunk. We allowed her natural part to fall where it wanted for a windswept look. A finishing crème was utilized throughout her mane to create a clean line with a touch of radical chic. Her ends were simply flipped up while adding the crème — no helmet head here, just soft touchable art. Angela’s long, healthy tresses will be the center of attention this season. Our master hairstylist Michelle hot-ironed Angela’s hair from the ends to the roots for an ultra-curly and luxurious overall look. As you should do with any long hairstyle, we applied the holding spray using a light mist to avoid a stiff, untouchable style. Pomade was applied to the ends for a blunt appearance.

Fashion Tips

• Achieve a “strong and feminine” look by using jewel-toned colors with clean, classic cuts to the gown.
• Skin is “in” with shorter skirts, well chosen cutouts, front slits, and “high-low” hemlines.

Kristianna Nichols is one of the country’s new beauty experts. She is a former Mrs. America, NFL cheerleader, professional model, and commercial actress. Kristianna has had her own TV talk show and was a popular entertainment reporter for the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis. She has hosted many TV shows, from “Mainstreet USA” to “On The Move.” She is the president and CEO of Noble Tress beauty company and the inventor of “Kristianna’s Crown.”